They say the current suspension “…reflects a disturbingly lenient, even cavalier attitude towards violence against women.”

“This instance of clearly inadequate punishment was in essence a mockery of what we should be doing,” Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal said.

Despite a rocky few months, Ravens management has continued to stand behind Rice. It’s unclear whether any of this will make a difference.

“There ought to be a suspension much more lengthy, and a monetary penalty much more sizable,” said Blumenthal.

While both of Maryland’s senators agree the punishment is too light, their signatures have not joined those of their colleagues.

When asked if he’d sign the letter, Maryland Senator Ben Cardin said: “I expressed myself. I think that’s the appropriate role. This is not a congressional issue, but I think people should know how senators stand on it. What Ray Rice did was outrageous, and I think the penalty that has handed down by the NFL was inadequate.”

NFL Commissioner Goodell had drawn some flack for meeting with Ray Rice’s wife, Janay, before making his decision. He said Friday he felt that meeting was appropriate.

Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski called the NFL’s punishment tepid and said they need to make clear domestic violence will not be tolerated.

WJZ general assignment reporter Mike Hellgren came to Maryland's News Station in the spring of 2004 from KARK-TV, an NBC affiliate station in Little Rock, Arkansas where he worked as a general assignment reporter, as well as fill-in anchor. Solid...